There is a worldwide explosion of diabetes and developing countries like South Africa are the worst hit. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that in South Africa, the numbers will triple in the next 15 years.
Although all groups are affected, those most at risk are the black community who are undergoing rapid lifestyle and cultural changes, and people of Indian descent who have a gene pool that makes them unusually susceptible to diabetes.
Research shows that approximately 4 to 6 million people in South Africa have diabetes and that most of these people are unaware that they have the condition.
Around the world, it has been shown that patient education and motivation reduces the cost of diabetes care, as well as reducing the risk of serious diabetes-related complications, dramatically. (Ref: Diabetes South Africa)
Hillcrest Private Hospital will be hosting a diabetes awareness morning on Wednesday 14 November from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Activities will include talks, information, free blood sugar and blood pressure screening. All are welcome.
The programme is as follows:
09:30am Dr S Maharaj, physician – Diabetes-related problems that affect feet and how to care for them
10:15am Kathy Krog, dietician – Diet and diabetes
10:30am – 12:30pm Free blood sugar and blood pressure screening
For more information, contact Tricia on (031) 768 8009 for more information.